Real Time Strategy games have been in a bit of a slump lately, but Helldivers 2 might just be the game to breathe new life into the genre. While Blizzard seems uninterested in reviving Starcraft, their once iconic strategy franchise, fans have remained loyal. This lack of attention could open a door for Arrowhead to offer a competing game set in the Helldivers universe.
Arrowhead Studios has shown remarkable versatility, transforming Helldivers from a modest start into the critically acclaimed co-op shooter Helldivers 2 has become. The game’s formula, focusing on massive resource battles across vast maps, could easily extend to an RTS, potentially providing the genre with the boost it needs.
Anyone familiar with the first installment will recall its isometric view, which ingeniously blended strategy elements like artillery and structures with twin-stick shooter gameplay, resulting in a unique tactical experience. With pre-chosen loadouts and a galaxy map, it’s clear Arrowhead has long drawn from strategy roots. Helldivers 2 modified these elements for third or first-person perspectives and achieved tremendous success, underscoring the format’s longevity.
Moreover, the game’s factions and maps are perfectly suited for an RTS adaptation. Each faction has a unique flavor—a quality essential in strategy games. The Terminids, with their swarms of creatures, echo the Zerg’s relentless assault style. Automatons, on the other hand, employ strategic defenses and combined arms, while the Illuminate focus on elite guerrilla warfare backed by drones. Even the Helldivers themselves, fighting for Super Earth, present a compelling option. By expanding their unit roster, they could offer a special-ops style gameplay, deviating from traditional human factions.
Looking at existing RTS games, we can see a framework for success. Starcraft’s use of massive armies, strategic resource management, and faction diversity provides a solid base. But other games offer insights as well. The Dawn of War series, particularly with its Dark Crusade expansion, moved away from linear campaigns, featuring a dynamic battle map where factions compete for control. Helldivers could innovate by using its online galaxy map to allow players to steer a faction’s destiny across the stars.
Similarly, the commander systems in games like Dawn of War 2 and Company of Heroes resemble Helldivers’ stratagem mechanics, where players deploy units and call in strikes from a hotbar, adding a tactical layer. Helldivers could enhance this by tailoring global abilities for each faction, accentuating their playstyle.
If Arrowhead wanted to push boundaries, they might look to classics like Age of Empires, which caters to players who relish long, strategic matches on expansive maps. This could be perfect for representing the expansion and conquest of new planets in Helldivers, capturing the feel of establishing a foothold and gradually dominating planets.
Despite these promising elements, breaking into the RTS market isn’t easy. Starcraft’s decline wasn’t overshadowed by another game but due to the rise of MOBAs, which offer simplified yet competitive postures, drawing audiences away from traditional RTS games. Even successful franchises like Total War have distanced themselves from classic RTS traits, favoring accessible gameplay.
Relying solely on a strong IP can backfire, as seen with Realms of Ruin’s struggle despite a well-known franchise. Relic’s abandonment of Dawn of War illustrates the challenge—failing to grasp their core identity lost them their audience.
To succeed with an RTS, Helldivers must go beyond mere brand recognition. It should harness what made Helldivers unique in the co-op shooter landscape to make players fall in love with RTS games again. The upcoming game must entice players not just through its established name but through innovation and what makes strategy gaming captivating.
